Public Statements

Rep. Grimm Calls for U.S. Boycott of Travel to Mexico until Detained Marine Jon Hammar is Released

Statement

Today, Rep. Michael G. Grimm (R,C-SI/Brooklyn) issued the following statement in reaction to the detainment of fellow U.S. Marine Jon Hammar in Mexico. Hammar has been detained in a drug cartel-controlled Mexican prison since August 13th when he declared an antique shotgun at the Texas-Mexico border and was charged with possessing a gun used by the Mexican military - a felony punishable up to 15 years in prison.

"Until U.S. Marine Jon Hammar is released, I am calling on all Americans to cancel their vacations to Mexico and not to book any travel there. When Hammar carried an antique rifle across the U.S.-Mexico border, he did so after declaring it and getting clearance from U.S. Customs. He was operating under the impression that he was well within the limits of the law. For the Mexican government to detain him, chain him to his bed, and essentially put him on display like an animal is an absolute disgrace!

"Hammar honorably served our country as a U.S. Marine, and we should be doing all we can to bring this innocent hero home. Marines always follow one rule: Never leave a man behind. As a fellow Marine, I will not leave Jon Hammar behind in Mexico, even if it means I have to go there myself to get him and bring him home."